South Africa v Pakistan 2007-08
Wisden's match report of the fifth ODI between South Africa and Pakistan, 2007-08
Neil Manthorp
15-Apr-2008
At Johannesburg, February 14, 2007 (day/night). South Africa won by nine wickets. Toss: Pakistan.
The trials and travails of a long and unsuccessful tour showed in the Pakistanis' every pained
movement, and Pollock made the most of it: he claimed the first five wickets, which tumbled with
just 71 on the board. There was no way back for Pakistan, and Shoaib Malik's 43 not out was
their best effort in a dismal 153. There was a sudden hush when Mohammad Asif had Smith
caught behind off his first legitimate ball, but there was no putting the brakes on de Villiers and
Kallis. They shared an unbroken stand of 155 to complete the drubbing, and a 3-1 series win,
with nearly 22 overs to spare. It was enough to put South Africa on top of the ICC one-day
rankings four days later, when Australia lost in Auckland.
Man of the Match: S. M. Pollock. Attendance: 21,056.
Man of the Series: S. M. Pollock.
Man of the Series: S. M. Pollock.
Neil Manthorp is a South African broadcaster and journalist, and head of the MWP Sport agency